Capo

Melinda, thanks for clarifying what you meant by Rome being "filthy."<BR><BR>While we noticed a fair amount of graffiti, it didn't seem any more than what we've seen in either Paris or Barcelona on recent trips. It's very interesting that you noticed a lot of trash in the street, as this is something we didn't notice at all so, again, it makes me wonder if this is just a difference in perception (perhaps my girlfriend &amp; I have a much higher "trash-in-the-street" threshold :~)<BR><BR>There were definitely a lot of people in Piazza Navona but, again, we didn't notice all the trash that you seemed to notice. <BR><BR>No question there's a fair amount of car exhaust since Rome is, after all, a big city, but it wasn't something that bothered us. <BR><BR>The one thing I'd agree with you on is that Rome certainly is not going to feel as fresh as Tuscany. I mean, it's a big city...how could it? <BR><BR>Anyway, on a different note, I also loved the old Jewish ghetto area! I had the "Romewalks" book with us and that was one of the walks I took. Very fascinating part of Rome...but also very sad when you consider the persecution of the Jews in Rome (and elsewhere in Europe.) In fact, what amazes me so much is how Christians, who has once been persecuted by the Romans, would turn around and persecute the Jews.

Susan

We were in Rome in April and May. We stayed at the Hotel de Russie near Piazzia Popolo and loved the hotel for being everything we thought Rome would be. The feel of the hotel was fresh and spacious with a wonderful outdoor area where we enjoyed cocktails &amp; eating.<BR>Everyone should visit Rome knowing that it is a big city with some incredible 'must see' places. The architecture is certainly a strong point.<BR>Relax, spend time sitting around and getting to know the Collesseum and the Parathanon... it is living history.<BR>Then move on! It does enrich one's life.<BR>

Carin

Thanks for a great post - I'm saving it for future reference.

Melinda

It has been very interesting reading all the reactions to my comments on Rome! Interesting that my feelings about Rome get more feedback than my love of the trip as a whole. This was my 5th trip to Rome and I was really looking forward to it, as Rome had always been a favorite place for me. In the big picture, it still is. My trash threshold is pretty high, actually. It could be that in June the incredible number of tourists who don't treat the city with the respect it deserves are the creators of the trash. The graffiti I saw was definitely gang tagging, not political. There was more of it in Rome than in San Francisco (where I'm from) and that's saying a lot. Sorry, but it does bother me to see a beautiful place treated with such disrespect. I'm not looking for Disneyland. I was raised outside the U.S. and love to travel. But next time I go to Italy, I will spend more time in Tuscany and Venice than in Rome because I liked them better.

dana

Our trip in Italy a few days ago ended in our staying one night at the Villa Malpensa as we left the next morning. I am laughing after having read the comments on the Villa Malpensa. Yes, the food was ridiculously high. I did feel, however, that it was a lovely hotel and a nice relief after an ugly day at the Linate airport. We had toured Italy, then deviated from the tour group to go visit my sister in London. Upon my sister's recommendation, we used a small airline called Buzz (very good prices!) and had to fly out of and back into Linate airport in Milan. After a wonderful experience in Italy and then in London, we came back only to find the rudest, most unhelpful people at Linate airport. So unlike all the wonderful Italians we encountered in Rome, Florence and the Tuscan region! Hot, sweaty and exhausted, the Villa Malpensa at least had nice people and a beautiful room waiting for us. Nice shuttle service to airport, also.